Spotify collaborated with OpenAI to release a new feature that allows podcasts to be translated using a new AI voice feature.
Spotify's AI-Powered Voice Translation Feature
Spotify in partnership with OpenAI developed a voice generation technology that matches not only the voice but also the speaker's style. According to the company, this will give a more authentic listening experience compared to a traditional dubbing which usually uses a different set of voice actors.
Using this feature, a podcast episode that was originally recorded in English can now be translated in other languages and at the same time retain the original speaker's style of speaking. "By matching the creator's own voice, Voice Translation gives listeners around the world the power to discover and be inspired by new podcasters in a more authentic way than ever before," Spotify's VP of personalization Ziad Sultan explained.
Spotify tapped several podcasters to pilot the feature. This includes Dax Shepard, Monica Padman, Lex Fridman, Bill Simmons, and Steven Bartlett. Among the translated languages included Spanish, French, and German.
Spotify's Voice-Translated Podcasts Release
The feature will be available globally both to Premium and Free users. Starting September 25, users will be able to catch the supported episodes by checking the Now Playing View.
For now the initial release of the feature is available on Lex Fridman Podcast "Interview with Yuval Noah Harari", Armchair Expert "Kristen Bell, by the grace of god, returns", and The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett "Interview with Dr. Mindy Pelz."
Spotify listeners can expect to get more voice-translated episodes on the upcoming weeks and months.
